People Who Built Gull Lake: Laura E. Pennock
Teacher, Postmistress, and Pioneer Businesswoman
Every community has people whose contributions help shape its future, even if their names are not always widely remembered. In the earliest years of Gull Lake, one of those individuals was Laura E. Pennock, a woman who helped provide education, communication, and everyday necessities during the community's formative years.
When settlers began arriving in greater numbers in 1906, Gull Lake was still a young prairie settlement. Historical accounts describe a community with only a handful of buildings and a single short street. Among those early establishments was a combined post office and grocery store operated by the Pennock sisters, Sarah and Laura E. Pennock.
In 1906, Sarah and Laura operated the post office from the CPR station before it was moved to Pennock's Store, where Laura served as postmistress for more than twenty years. At a time when a letter was often a settler's only connection to family, business contacts, and news from beyond the district, the post office was one of the most important services in the community.
The Pennocks' store was more than a place to collect mail. Residents could purchase supplies, exchange local news, and stay connected to the wider world. For many newcomers arriving in Gull Lake, it was among the first businesses they encountered.
Laura's contribution to the community extended well beyond the post office.
In 1906, before Gull Lake had a school building of its own, Mr. Price made a room available in the historic 76 Ranch House for use as a classroom. There, Laura E. Pennock became Gull Lake's first teacher, helping establish the community's earliest organized education.
The circumstances were modest, but the need was real. As families settled in the district, children needed a place to learn. Laura stepped forward to help meet that need during the town's earliest days.
Unfortunately, ill health forced her to leave teaching after only a brief term.
She was succeeded by Mr. Moseley, a Methodist minister who served as schoolmaster for a short time. Local recollections remembered him as a good man, though perhaps not a natural teacher. An accomplished violin player, he was occasionally persuaded by his students to put aside the lessons and play a tune instead, leaving behind one of the more colourful stories from Gull Lake's pioneer school days.
The Pennock family's connection to the community continued for many years. Historical records note that Minnie Croswaite worked for Laura until her marriage to Fred Morrow in 1911. Later, Fred McLean, a nephew of the Pennocks, assumed management responsibilities, continuing the family's long association with postal service in Gull Lake.
The Pennock building remained part of the community's story long after Laura's years as teacher and postmistress. Over time, it housed the post office, the Boston Café, and other local enterprises. Historical accounts also note that an early Gull Lake newspaper operated from the building for a period. Though the structure was eventually removed in the late 1940s or early 1950s, its place in the town's history remains significant.
Three Ways Laura Pennock Helped Build Early Gull Lake
Education
Gull Lake's first teacher, teaching classes in the 76 Ranch House in 1906.
Communication
Served as postmistress for more than two decades, helping connect settlers with the outside world.
Everyday Supplies
Operated one of the community's earliest grocery stores, serving residents during Gull Lake's formative years.
Few pioneers left their mark on early Gull Lake in so many ways.
Her legacy can still be found in the community today. The former Pennock residence is now home to Yellow Canary Books & Stationery, creating a meaningful connection between one of Gull Lake's earliest community builders and a modern local business dedicated to books, learning, and connection.
More than a century later, Laura E. Pennock remains an important figure in the story of Gull Lake's beginnings. As the community's first teacher, first postmistress, and one of its earliest businesswomen, she helped lay part of the foundation upon which the town would grow.
Next in the series: More stories of the people whose vision, determination, and hard work helped build the community we know as Gull Lake today.
Gull Lake Events
Source: Gull Lake Memories a history of the Town of Gull Lake
Comments